1. THE ENGINEERING DESIGN PROCESS
Engineers use the engineering design process to arrive at a solution. The following description is a guide– engineers do not necessarily follow it step-by-step. It is a cyclical process where you can begin at any step, or move back and forth between steps numerous times. The engineering design process is a great way to work through any challenge that involves creating something that did not exist before.
Staff, National Engineers Week Future City Competition. Future City Competition Educator Handbook. Alexandria, VA,

2. Identify the Problem Are you trying to:
Fix something that does not work?
Make something better?
Create something that’s not being done at all?

3. LEARN THE SPECS
Engineers have to work with project requirements or constraints. Before you start any project, understanding the specs will save you lots of time and will help determine the solution.
Ask questions about:
Physical constraints. (size, weight, environment, materials)
Who or what is the user? What do they need?
Who is the customer? What do they want?
What will it cost? What is the budget?

4. Brainstorm Solutions
Come up with as many possible solutions as you can.
Then ask:
How well do these ideas meet some or all of the requirements?
What trade-offs can you make?

5. Design It Which idea do you think is really possible?
What problems do you need to solve for your solution to work?
Develop a plan.
Make a sketch of your solution.
Make lists of materials and resources you will need.
Research answers to questions.

6. Test It and Improve It
Test your solution using computer simulations and scale models.
Decide what works, what doesn’t work, and what could work better.
Modify your design.
Test it again.

7. Build It Assess your design- is it the best it can be?
Follow your plan and create it.
Once you complete the “Build It” stage, you can go back and start the process over again to refine your solution or respond to changing requirements.

8. Share It
Presenting your work to others is a great way to get feedback on your solution.